Leachon looks to build Holbrook United Methodist Church

For 14 years, she was a successful architect, designing and supervising the construction of high-rise commercial buildings in Singapore.

Jeanne M. Rideout

For 14 years, she was a successful architect, designing and supervising the construction of high-rise commercial buildings in Singapore.

Nestled in the heart of Singapore is the Wesley Methodist Church, where she found her true calling.

Today the Rev. Norma (Nory) Leachon is an architect of souls.

Leachon, a citizen of Singapore and a native of the Philippines, graduated from the Boston University School of Theology May 19 and will begin her ministry at the Holbrook United Methodist Church Sunday, July 1.

This is the day her vision for the Holbrook UMC will begin to unfold.

“For a vision, you must know the congregation first. I have met five people, and they are very nice,” Leachon said. “We are a small church, but we have so much richness in us. Even though the budget is difficult, there is so much richness in the people. They would like to grow the church.”

She was appointed to Holbrook UMC June 7.

“The bishop chose to send me here because he felt that my talents and gifts will be useful in Holbrook,” Leachon said.

Leachon describes herself as a city girl.

“It was not easy to give up the corporate life. I feel this is a different kind of life. My focus is my ministry. I’m very blessed. I think I will like Holbrook,” she said.

Leachon enjoys both traditional and contemporary worship, and her passion to be in the community gives her a sense of hope and wholeness. She is inspired by the gospel as written in Jeremiah 29:11: “For know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

All are invited to attend the Sunday service at 10 a.m. at the Holbrook UMC, 60 Plymouth St., (Route 139) and welcome Leachon into the community. More information is available by calling the church office, 781-767-3639.